Describe what is meant by: equality, diversity, inclusion, discrimination

Qualification: Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator
Unit: Unit 2.4: Use legislation relating to equality, diversity and inclusive practice
Learning outcome: 1 Understand how legislation and codes of practice inform equality, diversity and inclusive practice
Assessment criteria: 1.1 Describe what is meant by: equality, diversity, inclusion, discrimination

• Equality means being fair and equitable and ensuring that all children, families and staff have the same opportunities
• NOTE: Equality does not mean treating everybody the same (e.g. a child that has autism may require additional support to access the same learning opportunities as their peers)
• Diversity refers to acknowledging and celebrating the differences in individuals
• Inclusion means ensuring that all children, staff and families are able to participate in activities
• Discrimination is treating somebody differently because of a characteristic they possess (e.g. their age, race or a disability etc.)